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National Park Week

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It’s National Park Week and what better way to celebrate is to offer free admission this weekend (April 19-20th) to the 401 of America’s National Parks.  There are special events planned as well through April 27th.

http://www.nationalparkweek.org/

http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

 

133 of our country’s 401 national parks usually charge an entrance fee. If you’re planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might consider the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other Federal lands (more than 2,000 in all).

Mount Rainier National Park, taken September 2006

Mount Rainier National Park, taken September 2006

 

The Herbfarm

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The Herbfarm is one of the restaurants that are on many a bucket list.  It is a 9-course dinner that is matched with 5-6 wines.  If it’s not on your must-experience list, then you might want to consider it.

Arrive early for a tour of the wine cellar and herb garden.  Check out the library upstairs while enjoying a cup of tea. As the visit was in mid-winter and dark at this time, the pre-dinner garden tour is taken inside.  Samples of herbs and tree foliage and the ever desired black truffle is passed around for a taste, feel, smell.  The history of how The Herbfarm came about is told by co-founder (and hostess) Carrie Van Dyck.  Husband, President, and Culinary Director, Ron Zimmerman is in the wine cellar prior to dinner, talking the talk of wine.  Check out their story http://www.theherbfarm.com/about/ronandcarrie.html. On the tour, we saw vintages from the early 1900’s.  It’s amazing that the two of them continue to make this part of their daily ritual.  Although it is dark outside in January, they encourage you to visit the pigs and garden between courses.

Upon arriving at your seat, you will find the table personalized with the parties name and if you are celebrating a special occasion, a small frame with greetings is presented.  The menus are presented in a booklet with information about The Herbfarm, the dining courses, the wine being paired with and staff bio’s.  Around the time of the first course, the staff is introduced, the wine being served is explained as well as information on the culinary specifics of the various courses.  Chef Chris Weber describes the dishes and where the ingredients are sourced from.  I was very impressed with the amount of local ingredients (and vendors) that are used as well as the Native American background that is preserved here.  The menus change seasonally and have a theme to the lineup. On this particular night, we enjoyed the theme “A Menu for Red Heads” (An All-Red-Wine Dinner). And as a change of course, the menu was designed around the wine selections.

A Menu for Red Heads is well-rounded.  It consisted of the following:

First Course: Rutabaga Root Soup, Weathervane Scallop Tartar, Cured Steelhead, Grilled Duck Breast Proscuitto

Second Course:  Terrine of Alaska Octopus, Fermented Garlic, Herbfarm Potatoes

Third Course:  Breast of Blue-Footed Chicken, Salad of Leek and Pellegrini Beans, Chicken Skin & Flax Cracker

Fourth Course:  Seared Pacific Albacore Tuna, Gloucestershire Old Spot Proscuitto, Turnips, Bloomed Onion-Seed Sauce

Fifth Course:  Lopez Island Lamb Marinated in Red Wine Lees, Black Trumpet Mushroom Lasagna, Rosemary-Mustard Green Pesto

Sixth Course:  Lightly Glazed Torchon of Puyallup Foie Gras, Mince of Winter Vegetables, Meringues of Olympic Peninsula Saffron

Seventh Course:  Rose Panna Cotta, Frozen Zabaglione of Citrus Herbs, Chamomile Ice

Eighth Course:  Consomme of Dark Fruits and Oak, Crispy Hazelnut Cake, Anise Hyssop

Ninth Course:  Red Velvet Canale, Bay Cream Gingersnap, White Chocolate Sour Cherry, Port Wine Fish

Dessert included:  Red Velvet Beet Canale, White Chocolate Sour Cherry, Port Wine Fish, and Bay Cream Gingersnap treats.

Alternate Dinner Sips, Tastes and Flights of wine can be purchased as well as coffee, tea, and other.  If wine is not on your list of must-haves, then a substitute will be provided.  Pricing of meal stays the same.  While dinner is being enjoyed, you’ll hear the soothing sound of guitar played by Patricio Contreras.  The staff will serve the meal as a team.  A number of wine SME’s as well as Sommelier Joey Lopaka and Tysan Dutta, pour the wine.  The wine cellar consists of over 26,000 bottles and 4,500 selections.  If the wine you wish to bring in is not on The Herbfarm Award Winning wine list, the corkage fee is $35.  And, if you would like to stay the night at Willows Lodge http://www.willowslodge.com/ request a taxi, or other, they will be happy to arrange it.  Most recently, The Herbfarm was the only Washington State restaurant to receive the AAA 5-Diamond Award and as of this posting, is among the James Beard Foundation 2014 Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists.  Many more accolades have been and will be awarded.

Overall, this is quite the production.  It is customized, unique, cozy, romantic, and a must for the foodie.  http://www.theherbfarm.com/

Art in April

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April is a great month for art.  If you do one thing this month, you might want to consider a visit to a local gallery or museum, Art Walk, tour or festival.  It might be down the street or make a trip of it to a neighboring city.

The one exhibit that caught my eye is “Paintings About Trees”.  It is showing at Jeffrey Moose Gallery on 5th Avenue in Seattle  through May 3rd.  www.jeffreymoosegallery.com  A great review can be found at http://seattletimes.com/html/thearts/2023182544_treesjeffreymoosexml.html

Other options in the Puget Sound area that you may want to consider are the galleries of:

And, this being April, a visit to some of the most beautiful natural art of all, the 31st Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  www.tulipfestival.org

Art Guide Northwest has all the details you might want to find that special something, whether it be the physical or the beauty of just viewing it.  http://www.artguidenw.com/

 

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Hibulb Cultural Center

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The Hibulb Cultural Center is a place that tells a story and enhances the history, traditional  cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes.  The tribes are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott.  It is a beautiful Center with stone flooring and wood beams which contains a longhouse, interactive displays, and a place to meet.   The feeling here is that of home.

You’ll find your own favorite exhibit.  Mine was “The Tree Itself”, showcasing the cedar tree and the many uses of it; as well as the journey of life through the various seasons.

The gift shop houses a nice selection of items for purchase.  I would like to see a coffee table type book with the history and photos that is presented here at Hibulb Cultural Center.  It is conveniently located off of I-5 in Marysville, WA.  Take exit 199, Marine Drive NE in Marysville. Go west approximately 0.5 miles, then turn left on 23rd Avenue NE.

“Thank you for allowing me to take your bark so I can make something beautiful and useful.  I will not waste any of the cedar that I have taken and I will share this gift you have given me with other.”  ~ Joy Jones Lacey- from Cultural Resources Department, Tulalip Tribes

http://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/  Twitter. Facebook.

 

 

Washington Wine Month 2014

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March is Washington Wine Month and to wrap up the month, there are two great events this weekend – try something new or try a favorite again.

March 29th – Capital Food & Wine Festival – Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA  – http://www.capitalfoodandwinefestival.com/ Purchases are encouraged.

March 29th and 30th – Taste Washington – CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle – http://tastewashington.org/  Drink. Eat. Learn. Stay. Participate.  Also, look into attending the First Annual Taste Washington Magnum Party on March 27th at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Stop by your local wine shop or tasting room for a taste of what’s being poured.  A good way to keep up with what’s been poured is to get on their mailing list.

If you are up for more food and drink, check out Anthony’s Restaurants Oyster Festival. http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/best-of-season/

Can’t get much better than that this weekend.

Lake Chelan

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Lake Chelan Wine Valley is perfect spot for a getaway especially during our wonderful Washington summers. Check out the Come Visit Us section of http://www.lakechelanwinevalley.com/ for some good tips!  Lake Chelan Wine Valley has a climate that is well-suited for growing grapes and boasts some very good up and coming wineries.

Nefarious Cellars – my hands down favorite.  Great wine.  Great location.  Great view of the lake.  Perfect for sitting on the patio with a glass of wine. The winery tastes and sells not only what you might find in a store, but also some winery only and limited production wines.  My favorite of the hard to find is the Rocky Mother.  Oh my.

Tsillan Cellars: A beautiful Tuscan Villa motif with a wonderful restaurant attached to the facilities – The Sorrento, is a great gathering place for you and your friends. The tasting room is very big and can accommodate larger groups at the same time.

Tildio Winery, Manson: Nice wines, the winemaker Katy has been there since almost the beginning of wine production in the Lake Chelan AVA, a must if tasting on both sides of the lake.

Cairdeas Winery, Manson – now this was a pleasant surprise.  The entire line up was enjoyed and we walked away with a number of bottles. Small family winery with a nice atmosphere. Get there now before they start selling out as production is small.

Karma Vineyards – Karma is a very nice place for lunch and a tasting.  The tasting occurs at the table, with flights that are brought to the table.  We splurged and tasted a couple flights each .  For lunch, the summer salad and clams were enjoyed.  The atmosphere is refreshing and takes you to a relaxing zen type vibe.  The vineyards are located right there.  Karma is often closed for wedding events, so check ahead of time if opened to public on day you’re there.

Other wineries visited were Tunnel Hill Winery, Hard to Hoe Vineyards in Manson, and almost made it to Mellisoni Vineyards, but timing was such that it didn’t work as they are by appointment only.  There are other wineries that were not visited, like the well-known Vin du lac which has a nice Bistro for lunch and overlooks the lake as well.

Things to do on a hot summer day – Take a dip in the lake, rent a jet-ski, take a boat ride, walk around town, get a golf game in, try the water park, and more.

I like Lake Chelan Wine Valley’s slogan…. “Naturally Intoxicating”.

 

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San Juan Island 2013

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Looking for a well-rounded and romantic 3-day weekend in the Pacific Northwest?  Visit San Juan Island!  San Juan Island is the largest island of what is considered the San Juan Islands.  It is located in the northwest corner of the United States with views of neighboring Canada.  No matter the weather, this can be the perfect Northwest outing.  http://www.visitsanjuans.com/  A possible itinerary to consider is:

Day 1:

Arrive early morning and take the ferry from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.  Take a tour of the ferry, pick your spot, and enjoy the ride. You will dock at Friday Harbor – you’ve arrived!  In Friday Harbor, take some time to walk the town.  While you are there, stop in at King’s Market.  This is a great place to grab a gourmet sandwich, a good wine, your favorite periodical, and more.   You’ll find a variety of shops and if you are there on a Saturday morning during the summer, check out the farmers market.

From here, head to Roche Harbor where you’ll be staying at the Quarryman Hall luxury suites.  On your way there, stop by San Juan Vineyards for wine tasting.  In Roche Harbor, see about checking in and take a walk around town.  You’ll find old Kilns, play bocce ball, and you’re probably ready for a bite to eat by now.  Check out the Lime Kiln Cafe and share a sandwich, as they are good in size.  http://www.rocheharbor.com/

On this first night, you may want to try dinner at the Fireside Lounge at McMillin’s.  But, before you head out for dinner, stop by the Hotel de Haro front desk and rent a DVD for the evening.  If you are in need of snacks (ie. ice cream, popcorn, other…), visit the Country Store, the town grocery.  Note:  For us,  this will have to wait until next time, but make reservations at Duck Soup Inn, it’s just outside of Roche Harbor and is highly recommended by the locals for a gourmet meal.

Day 2:

Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm and Country Store – this is a great stop to get out and roam the farm.  There are three+ areas where the Alpaca’s roam.  Take a few pics and stop in at the General Store.  The General Store offers an array of Alpaca goods like scarves, hats, shirts, wraps/blazers, blankets, toys, and more.  Two scarves were purchased here.

English (British) Camp – Take the trail down to the left and you’ll experience views of the waterfront, garden, and blockhouse…the view is from where the quarters of the generals stood long ago.  The formal garden is patterned after the original one planted in 1867 for the captain’s homesick wife. English Camp is situated on Garrison Bay, an ancient home of the Coast Salish people.

Lime Kiln Point State Park – maybe my favorite stop of the trip. Lime Kiln State Park offers beautiful views, whale sightings are recorded by/at the lighthouse (or maybe you’ll catch a pod), walk amongst the trees to the restored lime kiln and limestone that was.  You may see kayakers paddling by, stay for a picnic, or take that nature walk that you’ve been yearning for.  Stop by the gift shop for a map.  Truly Northwest.

Hike Young Hill (or Mount Young) 650 ft and experience views of the inlets, waterways, Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains, and Haro Strait . Victoria BC is just on the other side of the water.  Even if you are not in shape, this is certainly doable.  While you are up there, take the short intersecting trail and check out the British Camp Cemetery.

Sculpture Park – this interesting park allows you roam the acreage, down to the water, past the lake, and into the woods to view various types of art, statues, and the like.  My all-around favorite was the easel with a mirror as the piece of art or I guess you could say that “you” are the piece of art.  Others I enjoyed was the dragonfly, a spoon tottering, and chainsaw made of wood.

If you are looking for sportswear (clothing, jewelry, handbags), stop in and see Roche Harbor Sportswear, you’re sure to find something you’ll like.  A stop in at Dominique’s House is a must-see as well.

To end the day, have a late afternoon therapeutic massage for two at Afterglow Spa, which is located on the side/bottom level of Quarryman Hall.  Enjoy dinner at Madrona Cafe on the deck and if you are visiting in late Spring or Summer, you’ll more than likely experience the nightly lowering of the flags at sunset.

Day 3:

After checking out of the hotel/suites in Roche Harbor, a drive through the island to the other side just might be the ticket.  On your drive over, did you happen to see the camel out and about?  You might want to try the following:

American Camp dates back to 1859.  There are a few renovated buildings standing.   Camas bulbs have been harvested here for over 2,500 years ago; Camas and buttercups highlight one of this region’s last remaining natural prairies.  There is a visitor center but it was closed on the day we visited.  In the mid-1800’s, Great Britain and the United States settled ownership of the island through peaceful arbitration.  This island is full of interesting history.  One thing I wanted to note about this area, at both the American and English Camp, were the number of caterpillar nests in the trees on the property…fascinating.

A stop at Cattle Point Lighthouse is enlightening in that you get a whole different view from this side of the island.  This side has vast sea views, rocky cliffs, wheat colored grasses, wildflowers, seagulls and you might even see a river otter.  In order to get to the lighthouse here, we parked at the Interpretive Center down the street and walked to the trailhead up the street.  Stop by South Beach while you are in area as it is a beach with driftwood, beach rocks, beach grass and of course, sand.  Walk the beach, cook s’mores at the already present fire pits, or take a seat and read a book while letting the sand flow through your toes.  You’ll see ships and sailboats there and yonder.

It’s amazing how much was seen in the two full days (three-day weekend) on San Juan Island.  It’s time to head back to Friday Harbor to get in the ferry line for the mid-afternoon sailing.  Depending on how much time you have for a wait, you can either stop by King’s Market to grab a sandwich for the car/ferry or try out a restaurant in town that is waiting for you.

All and all, this is a great trip to consider, whether it be for a honeymoon, anniversary, recreational weekend away, first time visit to Washington State and more.  And if you are staying a bit longer, you’ll want to take the inter-island ferry to visit a different island within the San Juan Islands chain, perhaps Orcas Island.  There are many things to do in the San Juan Islands such as whale watching tours, kayaking, biking, camping, glamping, and of course boating.  One could write a book about living and experiencing the San Juan Islands…and they are out there.

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References:

For more information or a different write-up, see the September 2011 San Juan Island posting here at http://www.within4hoursreach.com

http://www.visitsanjuans.com/

http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/Schedule/Default.aspx

http://www.rocheharbor.com/

http://www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do/san-juan-island-hiking

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=106

http://www.thesanjuans.com/san-juan-island-places/sanjuan-parks-forest/san-juan-islands-south-be.shtml

http://www.nps.gov/sajh/historyculture/american-camp.htm

http://www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do/san-juan-island-hiking

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=105

http://www.stateparks.com/lime_kiln_point.html

http://www.nps.gov/sajh/historyculture/english-camp.htm

http://krystalacres.com/

Washington State Parks Turn 100 years old

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Washington State Parks turn 100 years old this year.  It was March 19, 1913 that the Washington state park system was established.  It’s their Centennial and events are planned throughout the year.  How many state parks are there in Washington?  117 according to  http://www.parks.wa.gov/  and 186 if you’re looking at http://www.stateparks.com/wa.html.  So many to see, so much to do.  Whether it’s hiking the trails, picnicking, camping, taking in the views, and the list goes on.  There are those parks along waterways, in the desert, on an island, in a forest, near a lake or river.  Do you have a favorite?  My favorite would be Rosario Beach/Deception Pass.  And you know, I have not been to nearly a quarter of them, so guess what, we have a lot to see.

How can you help keep the Washington state parks up and running? Help support the Parks by donating, purchasing a Discovery Park pass, and accepting the $5.00 Parks fee when you renew your license tabs each year.

And if you are up for a challenge and like marking things off your list, there is a State Parks Centennial GeoTour Passport tour.  100 caches 100 parks 100 years.  How does this work?  Check out http://www.parks.wa.gov/geocaching/geotour/default.aspx and print your passport.  Visit as many parks as you can to claim caches.  As of this posting, I have been to two of the WA State Parks listed.   http://www.geocaching.com/adventures/geotours   http://www.wsgaonline.org/files/parks/wastatepks2013-overview.pdf

Get out there!

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LeMay – America’s Car Museum and Frisko Freeze

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LeMay – America’s Car Museum just turned one year old!  Happy Anniversary!  It’s located near the Tacoma Dome on 2702 East D St.  There is a beautiful variety of automobiles from the early 1900’s on.  And if you aren’t a car buff, you’re sure to enjoy.  ACM (America’s Car Museum) has four levels with ramps on each side, all filled with automobiles (of sorts) and don’t forget to check out the walls there for interesting information, whether it be the history of Ferrari or how a “green” car is made.   The Indy 500 collection just opened in June.  And my goodness, opening August 9th is “60 years of Vette” – now this will be a must see!

Besides the cars on display, the building also contains the Museum Store, Classics by Pacific Grill Cafe, and banquet room for that special event on your calendar.  The Museum also showcases a number of fun as well as educational areas, like the State Farm Theatre, Auto Care Center, and ACM Speed Zone – try your hand at racing in a CXC simulator or on the slot car track – this can really add to the overall experience.  And check out the ACM website to view upcoming events, like the Vintage Motorcycle Festival and the Summer Drive-in Movie Series.

Interested in what the collections are located here?  The four levels contain the Harold E. LeMay Collection, Custom Coachworks, British Invasion, Nicola Bulgari Collection, Indy 500 Racing, Ferrari in America, Alternative Propulsion, and Collection Galleries.  The collections will change periodically, so more than likely you will want to visit again.

Check out a number of my favorites below.

http://www.lemaymuseum.org/

A day of Tacoma was made of it as a stop was made at Frisko Freeze as well as a Tacoma Rainier’s baseball game. Frisko Freeze first opened in 1950, and still looks like a drive-in (of sorts) of the 50’s.  Frisko Freeze has a drive-thru window and limited parking.  The seating is outdoor only… in your car, on the curb, on a bench.  It’s seen a lot in the 6+ decades.  The prices are low and the reputation of tastiness still privales.  What was ordered?  Onion rings, French fries, a large pop, cheeseburger and double “beefburger” with cheese.  And the favorites were?  Onions rings!  And what to try next? a blackberry milkshake.  There are 8+ kinds to choose from.  And if you want a Malt instead, choose one.  Not only do they have burgers, they also have a fishwich, shrimpwich, corn dog, fish and chips, and more.  Frisko Freeze is located at 1201 Division St., Tacoma, WA.

 

 

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